Replaced two regular lights with fluorescents = Now they flicker - HELP

Hello everyone,
I replaced two regular lights in my kitchen with new 4' long small round double bulb fluorescent lights. The lights are each on a separate standard switch. One switch is part of a double switch, and the other switch is on a single switch. None of the switches have a *on light* on the switch itself.

Fluorescent light fixtures require a ground wire. Not connecting a ground wire to the fixture can result in a symptom like what you are describing. As cacher_chick said, hot/neutral reverse can do that too.

>>>Rapid Start and some Instant Start fixtures must be connected to an electrical ground in order to start properly. In addition, the metal reflector of the fixture must be correctly installed so that it is within 1/2 inches of the lamps AND is in electrical contact with the ballast. A capacitive field is created between lamp and the metal reflector by the ballast during the starting process, and without this field, the lamps may reach normal operating brightness only by an external influence, such as an increase in capacitance caused by you touching the lamps, or by an increase in light (ionization) in the area coming from other sources.

Could you elaborate on the issue of wrong bulbs? I know there are "eco" 4' bulbs that I've heard don't always work in all fixtures - is this what you are referring to?

I just replaced a 4' fluorescent strip fixture in my kitchen, and even after replacing it I had to experiment with multiple different bulbs to get 2 that would light up.

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Four foot T12 fluorescent bulbs come in several wattages. First you have your standard 4' 40 watt bulb. They have been around forever and work in most 4' fixtures. Next you have your energy savers at 34 watts. They work in most 4' fixtures, but not all. If you are using energy saving bulbs look at the ballast. It will indicate that it supports 34 watt/ energy saving bulbs if it does. If the ballast does not say it supports 34 watt/ energy saving bulbs do not use them even if they seem to be working fine as the ballast can overheat. Finally you have your 4 foot 25 watt bulbs. They only work with ballasts designed specifically for them however they will fit into a standard 4 foot fixture. I'm not sure if they still even make these bulbs but thought I'd mention it.

There are also 4' high output (HO) and super high output (SHO) bulbs that only work with their own ballasts. These are not common however. And yes there are the low mercury ECO bulbs as well.

So check your ballast and be sure you are using the correct bulbs - probably F40T12.